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Cueto, Arroyo, Latos to start first three of NLDS

Cueto, Arroyo, Latos to start first three of NLDS

ST. LOUIS -- The Reds have a rotation set for their Division Series, which begins Saturday against the Giants in San Francisco.

Not surprising is that Johnny Cueto will start Game 1, followed by Bronson Arroyo in Game 2 and Mat Latos in Game 3.

"We've been planning this for a while. It didn't take a genius to see how we planned it," Baker said on Tuesday. "What you see is what it is right now."

It appears that Homer Bailey, who threw a no-hitter vs. the Pirates on Friday, might not get a NLDS start. Baker was asked if he would use a fourth starter, if needed.

"We're not sure about that," Baker said. "Generally speaking, you only use three starters in the first round. We won't try to guess who's not [in], but that's a pretty good ace in the hole if you've got a guy getting hammered. You usually don't let guys stick around to get hammered. It's not like a regular-season game."

The Reds are still trying to make their pitching staff and other roster decisions.

"That is always the toughest part -- who do you leave off?" Baker said. "I've seen guys get angry. I remember one time with [Tommy] Lasorda, there were a couple of guys upset with him."

Baker also realizes that he'll be open to criticism for the selections.

"If it works, then it's cool," Baker said. "If it doesn't, then you should have gone with somebody else."

The "2-3 format" for the NLDS is a tough spot for the Reds, even though they are guaranteed home-field advantage in the round. It means the first two games will be played on the road, something that Baker previously experienced.

"I remember I was the manager of the 1997 Giants that had to go to the Florida Marlins and play. We lost the first two games there and only got one game at home."